Snowfall draws skiers and snowboarders to pristine slopes all over Pennsylvania. Find the perfect place to lay your tracks this winter.
Substantial mountainous terrain and oodles of snowfall (and powder-making capabilities) facilitate excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re a ski bunny or a seasoned shredder, the Keystone State has a diverse menu of places to hit the slopes.
Pocono Mountains
The lines are short, the snow is deep and the trails are well-groomed at the Pocono Mountains' six major ski areas and resorts: Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, Jack Frost Mountain, Shawnee Mountain, Ski Big Bear and Skytop Lodge.
Blue Mountain has the highest vertical terrain in the state at 1,082 feet, along with 40 trails, 16 lifts and a snow tubing park with up to 46 lanes more than 1,000 feet long. Those developing their ski and snowboarding skills can take advantage of Camelback Mountain Resort’s terrain-based learning program, which lets students strengthen their skills in shaped-terrain areas before hitting the slopes; or Shawnee Mountain’s SKIbaby and SKIwee programs, which cater to tots as young as three years old.
Upstate PA
Elk Mountain Ski Resort, featuring 27 slopes and trails, is loved by locals for its consistently groomed trails, fun runs and unpretentious atmosphere. Ski Magazine listed the resort as one of “Six Unsung Heroes” in a compilation of the best U.S. ski destinations. Those who love a steep ride should consider family-friendly Montage Mountain Resort, home to 27 diverse trails, including White Lightning – one of the steepest runs on the East Coast. The Laurel Mountain Ski Area, which is located in Laurel Mountain State Park, offers 70 acres of skiable terrain with more than half the terrain being suitable for beginners.
Laurel Highlands
Pennsylvania’s largest resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort has 33 slopes and trails, seven innovative terrain parks, and the region's largest snowtubing park. Hidden Valley Resort, located only 13 miles from Seven Springs, offers 26 slopes, two terrain parks and 30 miles of dramatic vistas highlighting the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Located just north of these two resorts, you'll find Laurel Mountain Ski Resort offering 19 trails, one lift, and 70 acres of skiable terrain. Avid skiers and riders can put their skills to the test and take on their iconic double diamond Lower Wildcat, which averages near 60% slope.
Lehigh Valley
Twenty-one trails on more than 86 skiable acres await at Bear Creek Mountain Resort, where amenities include a ski/snowboard check with boot driers, storage cubbies and changing rooms, an onsite equipment rental and tuning shop, an indoor pool and hot tub, and daycare.
Philadelphia and the Countryside
The slopes at Spring Mountain Adventures draw downhill devotees from Philadelphia, less than 40 miles away. Choose from seven trails, their beginner magic carpet lift, a terrain park, and a vertical drp of 428 feet.- or try out their brand new Spring Mountain Ice, a full-size outdoor skating rinkFourth and Fifth graders can receive a $25 season pass at the ski area which includes one free Learn to Ski or Snowboard lesson package that includes a beginner lesson & rental equipment – just one reason why Spring Mountain is a great place to learn or polish snow skills.
Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes
Mount Pleasant of Edinboro’s vertical terrain ranging from 300 to 2500 feet is credited for helping many beginners develop their ski and snowboard legs. Hit the snow tubing park for eight lanes of fun and a squeal-worthy six-story drop.
Dutch Country Roads
The recent additions of a new snow groomer and 20 snowmaking stations heighten Roundtop Mountain Resort’s powdery bliss. Spend the afternoon hitting the mountain’s groomed trails, snow tubing or sipping hot chocolate at the cozy lodge.
Liberty Mountain Resort, Roundtop Mountain’s sister property, is located less eight miles from Gettysburg and offers 100 acres of skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Enjoy night skiing and snow tubing and new perks like slopeside fire pits and a revamped terrain park.
The four-season Whitetail Resort offers 120 acres of skiable terrain with 23 trails, nine lifts, and two terrain parks - and 100% of the trails are lighted for your outdoor adventure to continue into the night. This must-visit PA resort is also home to the Mid-Atlantic's only detachable high-speed quad lift.
The Alleghenies
Located less than eight miles from State College, Tussey Mountain supplies a small trail system for locals craving a quick dose of the slopes. The ski area truly lives up to the slogan “A small mountain with a heart” with short-yet-fun runs, an intimate snow-sports school and friendly folks.
Find business listings for ski areas and other winter sports across Pennsylvania to help you shape your perfect ski vacation and be sure to follow us on Facebook, X , Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for more PA inspiration. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter so you never miss an update.